Call for mariners in need to come forward

Darryl White, who is calling for local mariners in need to come forward.

Published:16:46Tuesday 31 May 2011

FORMER Montrose coastguard Darryl White is encouraging impoverished seafarers in the local area to come forward for support.

Mr White, former sector officer for Montrose, retired from his post several years ago and now gives over much of his time to working for the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society.

Mr White, from St Cyrus, has been a dedicated volunteer for the last 20 years in its continuing work with retired and incapacitated mariners. He was also a vocal opponent of the removal of a Second World War mine used to collect funds for the society when it was threatened with removal from outside the Ball House.

Mr White said: “The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society can give them that little bit of extra help, whether that be paying electricity bills, providing a new fridge or in some cases supplying a regular grant to help make life easier. It’s amazing to see the difference it makes.”

Mr White hit the headlines when he mounted a robust defence of the society’s collecting mine after former Montrose community councillor Terry Wood claimed it should be cleaned up or removed.

The campaign was a success and the mine has remained in place.

Mr White said: “Montrose and the surrounding areas have a very large community of retired seafarers, many of whom may be suffering in silence, unaware that there is support out there which can make an enormous difference to their quality of life. With the help of my two new recruits I hope to be able to extend the influence of the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society and help to repay the debt owed to our fishermen and mariners.”

Further information about the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society is available at www.shipwreckedmariners.org.uk